Djokovic Australian Open exemption based on COVID infection in past six months, may not meet border laws

Novak Djokovic has flown into Australia after being granted a medical exemption to play at this year's Australian Open but on landing, issues arose regarding his visa.

Now it seems that Djokovic who submitted the wrong visa will have the grounds for his exemption quizzed by border officials with the reason for this being granted seemingly revealed.

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Novak Djokovic denied entry into Australia because of faulty visa

According to Paul Sakkal of The Age, a federal government source said that COVID infection in the last six months is the suspected basis for Djokovic's exemption to enter Australia without a vaccination.

This comes after Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison said that Djokovic would not be given special treatment and that any proof needed for an exemption would be needed.

But further to those sources from The Age, the COVID infection may not suffice under border laws so Djokovic who is still waiting at nearly 2am in the country may still be sent home.

Paul Sakkal

@paulsakkal

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Djokovic being quizzed about evidence to support vax exemption by border officials in airport room hours after landing. Fed govt source said COVID infection in past 6mos - suspected basis for Novak's exemption - may not suffice under border laws theage.com.au/national/visa-… @theage

Paul Sakkal

@paulsakkal

Djokovic landed about 30 mins ago. Federal officials realised hours before his visa application was erroneous. Border Force asked Vic authorities to support visa, which was rejected. BF has discretion to allow entry, but his pathway in is uncertain theage.com.au/national/visa-… @theage

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